General Motors : Buick Program to Benefit Schools

DETROIT - Buick hopes to help 100 communities across the country offset the rising costs of after-school programs and reduce local deficits with "Drive For Your Students" - a test-drive initiative that partners Buick dealerships with public high schools.   

Through Drive for Your Students, dealers and schools will work together to host grassroots test-drive events, through which Buick will donate money for each test drive taken at the event, up to $10,000 per event to be shared among participating schools.

"This program further demonstrates Buick's commitment to community and education, as well as the local investment that dealers are making in their home towns," said Molly Peck, director of Marketing for Buick.

In addition to gaining funds for their schools, students who help host the drive events gain valuable real-world experience in helping dealers plan, coordinate and execute events.

"Schools are always seeking dynamic opportunities to support their extracurricular activities and elective programs," said Keller (Texas) Independent School District Director of Athletics Bob DeJonge. "It provides an opportunity for the students to build their resume with relevant work experience and for the community to demonstrate support for the school."

This program was piloted in six communities in May, and is rolling out to 94 additional areas nationwide through the end of this year.

"This program offers the opportunity for Buick and its dealers to build lasting relationships in the community," said Nader Ozzie, Freeman Buick GMC in Grapevine, Texas. "It also provides members of the community with an opportunity to experience the new Buick cars and crossovers in a fun, relaxed environment."

"Drive for Your Students" joins Buick's celebration of academics and achievement, which includes the Buick Achievers Scholarship Program. To date, Buick Achievers, funded by the General Motors Foundation, has provided nearly $28 million in scholarships to students across the U.S. Buick also is a partner of the NCAA and supports achievement in college sports.